Shamrocks Claim WLA Title after OT Win

Try as they might, the Maple Ridge Burrards couldn't spoil the Shamrocks party! Oh, and try they did! 

The Shamrocks defeated Maple Ridge 9-8 in OT on Sunday night at a sold-out Q Centre. The win gives the Shamrocks the series 4 games to 1 and a berth in the Mann Cup beginning September 6th at the Q Centre. The Shamrocks will host either the Peterborough Lakers or the Six Nations Chiefs. 

It was a picture-perfect start for the Shamrocks as Graeme Hossack scored on the games 1st shot, just 20 seconds in. The goal ignited the Q Centre faithful and really got the night off to a great start for Victoria. 

Things really got interesting at the 1:35 mark of the 2nd period. After Shamrocks goaltender Peter Dubenski assisted on Tyler Pace goal that made it 5-1, the Burrards requested Dubenski's equipment be checked.  The result was a delay of several minutes while Dubenski was taken off the floor for measurements.  Upon his return, it was ruled his pads were illegal and Dubenski was assessed a 5 minute major for Illegal Goalie Equipment. Maple Ridge would score once on the advantage to cut the lead to 5-2.

Much to the shock of everyone, the Burrards requested a 2nd examination of Dubenski at the 17:29 mark of the 2nd period. This time his chest protector was deemed illegal and Dubenski was handed a 2nd 5 minute major and a corresponding game misconduct to go along with it. This forced Cody Hagedorn off the bench and into action.  The Burrards would score 3 straight power-play goals and just like that we were locked at 6-6 early in the 3rd. 

In overtime, the game-winner came off the stick of Graeme Hosack at the 6: 00 minute mark of OT. That would all the scoring on the night. Maple Ridge had the final possession but couldn't beat Hagedorn as time expired giving the Shamrocks their 21st Provincial title in team history, and their 4th in the past 7 years. 

All told Graeme Hossack was a beast on both sides of the floor in game 5. Hossack was the games 1st star as he finished with 4 goals and 1 assist.  Tyler Pace scored twice, while Chris Wardle, Tyson Gibson, and Chris Boushy each scored singles. 

Peter Dubenski finished with 25 saves on 28 shots while Cody Hagedorn stopped 18 of 23 in relief.  Christian Del Bianco drew the start for Maple Ridge, his first of the post-season and stopped 36 of 45 in the loss. 

Peter Dubenski was named the WLA playoff MVP for his efforts this post-season. Dubenski finished the playoffs with a 7-1 record and posted a 7.21 GAA and a .852 save percentage. 

Ticket information for the 2019 Mann Cup will be announced in the coming days.